The Karnataka High Court has overturned the state government’s blanket ban on bike-taxis, a decision that has major implications for urban mobility, gig workers, and transport policy in the state. The court held that preventing bike-taxi operations without a valid regulatory framework was disproportionate and violated the constitutional right to livelihood. Background: Ban and Legal Challenge The Karnataka government had introduced a ban on bike-taxis, citing concerns over safety, traffic violations, and regulatory gaps. The move affected thousands of riders employed through app-based platforms, effectively halting their ability to legally operate. Several bike-taxi operators and associations challenged the ban in the high court, arguing that the government should instead create guidelines to regulate the sector rather than prohibit it outright. Court’s Ruling: Right to Livelihood and Proportionate Regulation In its judgment, the High Court stated that citizens have a constitutional right to pursue a livelihood, which cannot be curtailed without clear legislative backing or compelling public interest that cannot be addressed by regulation alone. The court found that the government’s ban lacked a structured framework and failed to balance public safety with economic rights. Instead of upholding the ban, the court directed the transport department to establish a regulatory framework… Read MoreBusiness Archives – Trak.in – Indian Business of Tech, Mobile & Startups
